Information

You appear to be using an unsupported browser, and it may not be able to display this site properly. You may wish to upgrade your browser.

United States of America

In 2018, Scotland sold £5,520 million worth of exports to the United States of America (USA). This is 16.3% of Scotland’s total international exports. Scottish exports to the USA have increased by 14.7% since 2013, an increase of £705 million. 

An image of USA outlined on a map

The benefits of selling to the USA

The World Bank rates the USA as the 6th easiest country in the world to do business with.

The USA’s a good place to export to because it:

  • has well defined and established laws
  • does not have a lot of regulations which can cause barriers for trade
  • has few language barriers

It’s also a good place for Scottish businesses to export to because:

  • it has a stable, large economy
  • UK brands have a good reputation there
  • English is the first language

What we could sell more of

A Trading Nation uses evidence to work out what Scotland could sell more of.

In the USA, the key sectors where Scotland could sell more are:

  • chemical sciences
  • manufacturing of computer, electronic and optical products
  • computer programming
  • research

An infographic of top opportunities in the USA

Help with exporting in the USA

Scottish Development International offices

Scottish Development International have offices in:

They have 5 members of staff focussed on:

  • industries that produce consumer goods
  • science and technology

Scottish Affairs Office

The Scottish Government has an office in Washington DC. They work to promote Scotland in the USA.

The Scottish Government also have an engagement strategy for the USA.

GlobalScot

The GlobalScot network has 214 experts in the USA, covering a variety of business sectors.

We're going to expand the GlobalScot network in the USA.

Department for International Trade

You can contact the Department for International Trade team in the USA to find opportunities for doing business there.

British-American Business Council

The British-American Business Council is a large network of businesses based throughout the USA and Britain. It gives members advice and introductions in America.

You can find more help with exporting.

You can also find more information on exporting to the USA in A Trading Nation.

Back to top